Wisdom Teeth Removal

Oral Examination for Extraction of Wisdom Teeth

With an oral examination and x-rays of the mouth, Dr. Albanese, Dr. Edmunds, Dr. Blount, Dr. Theberge and Dr. Spink can evaluate the position of the wisdom teeth and predict if there are present or future potential problems. Studies have shown that early evaluation and treatment result in a superior outcome for the patient. Patients are generally first evaluated in the mid-teenage years by their dentist, orthodontist, or by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize patient comfort. Our doctors are trained, licensed, and highly experienced in providing various types of anesthesia for patients.

Why should I have my wisdom teeth removed?

If you do not have enough room in your mouth for your third molars to fully erupt, a number of problems can happen. Impacted wisdom teeth should be removed before their root structure is fully developed. In some patients it is as early as 12 or 13, and in others it may not be until the early twenties. Problems tend to occur with increasing frequency after the age of 30. Some of the possible problems related to not removing your wisdom teeth include:

A representation of a pericoronitis infection on a wisdom tooth

Infection:

The most frequent clinical problem we see is pericoronitis, (a localized gum infection). Without enough room for total eruption, the gum tissue around the wisdom tooth can become irritated and infected, resulting in recurrent pain, swelling, and problems with chewing and/or swallowing.

An example of a cyst formation on a wisdom tooth

Cyst Formation:

Non-infectious diseases may also arise in association with an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts are fluid-filled “balloons” inside the jaw bone that develop as a result of impacted teeth and slowly expand destroying adjacent jaw bone and occasionally teeth. They can be very difficult to treat if your wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years. Although rare, tumors can be associated with the delayed removal of wisdom teeth.

An illustration of teeth crowding caused by a wisdom tooth

Possible Crowding:

Impacted wisdom teeth may contribute to crowding of your teeth. This is most noticeable with the front teeth, primarily the lower front teeth and is most commonly seen after a patient has had braces. There are a number of factors that cause teeth to crowd after braces or in early adulthood. Retained, impacted wisdom teeth may be a contributing factor. Unless you have an active problem when you see the oral surgeon, the reason for removal is primarily to prevent long-term damage to your teeth, gums and jaw bone.

A visual of a wisdom tooth damaging an adjacent tooth

Damage to Adjacent Teeth:

If there is inadequate room to clean around the wisdom tooth, the tooth directly in front, the second molar, can be adversely affected resulting in gum disease, bone loss around the tooth, and/or decay.

What if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed as a teenager or young adult?

As wisdom teeth develop, the roots become longer and the jaw bone more dense. When it is necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth in your thirties, forties or beyond, the post-operative course can be prolonged and there is a higher complication rate. Treating these complications is often more difficult and less predictable than with a younger patient. Healing may be slower and the chance of infection can be increased. If your impacted wisdom teeth are not removed in your teenage years or early in your twenties and they are completely impacted in bone, it may be advisable to wait until a localized problem (such as cyst formation or localized gum disease and bone loss) develops. In general, you will heal faster, more predictably and have fewer complications if treated in your teens or early twenties.

What happens on the day wisdom teeth are removed?

Most people prefer to be unaware of the experience when they have their wisdom teeth removed and usually decide to be sedated. You will be provided with appropriate anesthesia options at your consultation. All outpatient surgery is performed under appropriate anesthesia to maximize your comfort. Our office staff has the training, licensing, and experience to provide the various types of anesthesia. These services are provided in an environment of optimum safety, utilizing modern monitoring equipment and a well trained experienced staff. The Surgical Care Team, the office facilities, and the doctors are inspected on behalf of the Board of Dental Examiners on a regular basis.

On the day of your procedure, you will take medications to help minimize post-operative pain and swelling. We ask that a parent or responsible adult accompanies you to the office and plans to stay with you the rest of the day. The procedure will take about 30 to 60 minutes and you will probably be in the office for 90 minutes. Recent advances in medicine and technology allow patients to undergo wisdom tooth removal in a manner, which promotes rapid healing and minimal post-operative discomfort. State-of-the-art sterilization and infection control techniques are used at all times.

On the morning or afternoon of your surgery, it is essential that you have nothing to eat or drink (excluding prescription medications with a sip of water) for at least 8 hours (preferably longer). This does not mean you should try to fit in one “last meal” exactly eight hours before your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications, including nausea and vomiting. Your procedure will be rescheduled if you have not heeded these guidelines. We may provide you with a prescription for pain medication at your consultation appointment, which for your convenience, can be filled in advance. When you are seated in the surgical room, we will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible. If you are going to be sedated, we usually will place an IV in your left arm. This is a quick and nearly painless procedure that ensures optimal delivery of your medication. Local anesthesia is given to you afterwards to ensure comfort, and allow adequate time to travel home and rest. You will be sleepy for a significant portion of the day.

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Smiling teenage son with his mother

The Day of Treatment

Be sure to have an adult with you at the time of removal. Make plans to have a parent or responsible adult stay with you for the rest of the day, following wisdom tooth removal.

If your surgery requires stitches, these are usually the type that dissolve in 3 to 5 days and do not require removal. You may also notice a sensation of your gums feeling swollen and pulling away from your teeth. This is all part of the normal recovery, and will subside in several days.

Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may require prescription pain medication. Please try non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil®) first, to see if that adequately treats your pain. If not, begin your other prescription pain medication. The local anesthesia may last until the following day, and should not be confused with an injury to your nerve. We recommend starting your post-operative diet with clear liquids such as jello and broths, gradually increasing in substance as your body permits.

We do not recommend using dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream or milkshakes on the day of surgery, as nausea and vomiting may develop in conjunction with the anesthetic and pain medication. If you are given antibiotics and you take birth control pills, please be aware that the birth control pills might become ineffective and take appropriate precautions.

What does wisdom tooth removal cost and is it covered by insurance?

The fee for your treatment is determined by a number of factors. These may include the difficulty involved in removing your teeth and which type of anesthesia is best for you. During your consultation appointment, the surgeon will need to review your x-rays, complete an examination and determine the best option for anesthesia, before an accurate estimate can be provided. Every insurance company has a different policy regarding the extent of coverage for a given surgical procedure. The oral surgeon’s office staff will help you obtain maximum insurance coverage for your treatment.

What if I have questions before surgery?

At the time of your consultation, your specific situation will be discussed in greater detail. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have. If new questions arise after your consultation, please call our office at Greenfield Office Phone Number 413-774-2961 to speak to one of our patient care coordinators.

A smiling woman

The Day of Treatment

Please do not eat or drink anything prior to your surgery. Having anything in your stomach can increase the risk for serious anesthetic complications.

Connecticut Valley Oral Surgery Associates

5 out of 5 stars based on 11 Wisdom Teeth Removal reviews

Patient Testimonial By Nohham C

Excellent doctor and staff at Brattleboro, VT

- Nohham C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Robert M

Dr. Dino was great and his staff was just as excellent as he was. They provided a professional, relaxing atmosphere that will make me recommend them and return in the future.

- Robert M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Lynn C

Connecticut Valley Oral Surgery was a great place to go for Oral Surgery. Dr Edmunds and his staff are truly amazing at what they do . I highly recommend the Amherst office to anyone who wants to know!

- Lynn C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Paula F

Would recommend Dr T … great guy and had a great young lady as my sons nurse . She was fantastic..

- Paula F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Delynet M

After putting off my wisdom teeth removal for almost 2 years I finally gave in and saw Dr. Blount. I went in on a Tuesday for consult and by Friday I was already having all 4 removed. I had the most pleasant experience and I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing staff. They were so compassionate, caring and patient. Dr. Blount was very kind and thorough. I’ve had minimal pain and by following all the pre op and post op instructions the recovery has been great. I barely had any swelling and honestly had I known it would go so smoothly I probably wouldn’t have put it off for so long. I would recommend this group to everyone. Excellent patient care. Thank you so much Dr. Blount and staff! ️

- Delynet M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Lynn E

I was extremely nervous regarding having a molar and wisdom tooth removed, but the whole visit from Reception to the Nurse and Dentist, was great. Everyone was kind, thoughtful and patient. My anxiety was noticed and not dismissed, they explained everything in detail. I am sure they see dozens of patients a day, but they made me feel like I was the only one. Thank you for your exceptional work and kindness, will definitely return for any of my dental needs.

- Lynn E

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Lynne B

I had 2 teeth removed and I was terribly nervous. The Dr was so nice and made me feel so at ease . I have been to him 3 times now and I would always ask for him. I also have to compliment the nurse who was so nice to me and held my hand. Her name was Felicia and she was so sweet.

- Lynne B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Laura S

Thank goodness for all the staff having a great sense of humor as well as being professional and reassuring. I was impressed by the COVID precautions in the office. There was little to no waiting time once in the office. I was in and out in 30 minutes! The appointment started right on time and staff met me at the door with paperwork and reassurance. Dr Theberge answered all my questions and the procedure took minutes with constant communication between me and the staff. Aftercare directions were given both verbally and written, very helpful. Strongly recommend Connecticut Valley Oral Surgery Associates for any oral surgery needs. Thanks also for providing for adequate pain management.

- Laura S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Caitlyn N

Dr. Blount was amazing with my anxiety. I had been putting off getting this procedure for years, and had bad experiences with consults in the past. But, as I couldn't wait any longer, and after speaking with him for the referral, he put me at ease about the idea of going under, and listened to all of my concerns. I will, for sure, recommend Dr. Blount to anybody that is looking for someone for this procedure. He and his staff were amazing.

- Caitlyn N

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Michael B

Clean office & greeted with smiles. Made going to a new dentist less intimidating. I recently had my wisdom teeth removed with Dr. Theberge and he was great! I was very nervous about the procedure but it was so much easier and quicker than I was expecting. The staff there is genuine & good. Would highly recommend if you are in need of oral surgery of any kind.

- Michael B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Testimonial By Marie D

Super nice people from beginning to end. Clean office. The Doctor was kind and answered questions thoughtfully and without making you feel rushed. I hate going to the dentist but these people rock! Highly recommend.

- Marie D

5 out of 5 stars on